Update on Recent Themes

Resisting Fracking

In January & February this year, you took action against fracking, supporting Friends of the Earth’s petition to let local communities have a say over possible fracking in their area.

At the same time, an example of this principle in action was playing out in Lancashire. Fracking company Cuadrilla wanted to frack at Roseacre Wood, in spite of local opposition, and the county council refusing their application. Cuadrilla had appealed to the government to overrule local people’s concerns, but on 12th February this was turned down.

Supporting Sustainable Trade

In September and October, you supported Sustain’s petition to the House of Lords, asking for Trade Bill currently passing through parliament to be written to ensure that future trade agreements uphold good standards for sustainability and fairness in our food system.

An amendment to the Trade Bill was passed in the Lords earlier this month that will allow parliament scrutiny over any future trade agreements. It doesn’t guarantee food sustainability in itself, but it would mean that parliament will have oversight, so that future governments cannot water down standards without approval from MPs.